Definition

Noun: 1. The act of enticing others into sinful ways: The action of tempting, persuading, or initiating others into wrong or immoral behavior. This usage often carries a moral or religious connotation.

Usage

The noun "leading off" is used to describe the specific action of being the first to tempt or corrupt someone, often setting them on a wrong path. It is a formal and somewhat archaic term, primarily found in religious or moral contexts.

Examples

• The preacher warned against the leading off of young people by bad influences.
• In the parable, the character is guilty of the leading off of his companions into theft.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a broader, more secular sense to mean "the act of initiating a negative course of action," though this is less common.
  • The document analyzed the leading off of the group into radical ideologies.

Variants and Related Words

• Lead off (phrasal verb): To begin or start something.
  • She will lead off the discussion with her opening remarks.
  • The leadoff hitter in baseball starts the inning.

Synonyms

• Enticement
• Seduction (into sin)
• Corruption
• Temptation

Notes on Different Meanings

It is critical to distinguish the specific noun "leading off" (the act of enticing into sin) from the much more common phrasal verb "to lead off" (to begin or start). They are different parts of speech with entirely different meanings and usage frequencies. The noun form is rare.

Noun

1. the act of enticing others into sinful ways